Timeline for OPCON transfer to be set in annual defense talks in October: Seoul

A timeline for the handover of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea from the United States will be set in this year's annual ministerial meeting and proposed to the leaders of the two countries, Seoul's defense ministry said Thursday. The remarks by a ministry official came after U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) commander Gen. Xavier Brunson said the allies aim to meet conditions required for the envisioned OPCON transfer no later than the first quarter of 2029. "Based on suggestions by South Korean and U.S. military authorities, the defense ministers will make a decision in the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) and propose it to the presidents of the two countries," ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said in a regular briefing when asked about Brunson's remarks. The SCM is an annual defense ministerial meeting that takes place every autumn in either Seoul or Washington. Noting that Seoul and Washington are pushing for the transfer in a "systemic, stable and consistent" manner, Chung said the defense ministry is seeking to promptly complete the transfer and is strengthening cooper

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